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Spirit of Olympic success for Sports Minister and 2012 GB boxing in Sheffield

Sports Minister Gerry Sutcliffe unveiled a new era for British boxing at a special event in Sheffield to celebrate the opening of the sport’s new Olympic gym.

Mr Sutcliffe visited the English Institute of Sport – Sheffield (EIS Sheffield) on Sunday, (May 10) to officially open a new state-of-the-art boxing hall at the venue, which will be used by the GB Development Squad in the build up to the 2012 London Games.

He backed the investment made into the world class facility by UK Sport and Sport England through Lottery funding as well as the enthusiasm and commitment from the British Amateur Boxing Association (BABA) on their goals towards 2012 and beyond.

Gerry Sutcliffe, sports minister said: “I am a keen boxing fan and it is a privilege to open this new gym. We have congratulated GB Boxing for their success at European and Olympic contests but those congratulations are in the past – this is the future. This is a world class facility and that doesn’t happen by chance. This is the result of the hard work of a team led by Derek Mapp which has built on the success in Beijing.

“There has never been a better time for young people to be involved in this sport. I am proud of the investment from UK Sport, the Government and Lottery Funding.

“The Sheffield ethos for sport is fantastic. The provision for sport is fantastic. I hope the rest of the country can follow Sheffield.”

The event also confirmed the BABA’s commitment to the city after it signed a four year deal with venue operator Sheffield International Venues (SIV) for the 2012 squad to be based at EIS Sheffield.

Sheffield Central MP Richard Caborn, who is president of the Amateur Boxing Association of England (ABAE), was among 150 guests including the Lord Mayor of Sheffield Jane Bird, GB boxing officials, coaches and boxers who attended the event.

He said: “Boxing has never been in better shape. We will continue to build on our Olympic performance so we achieve the right place on the podiums at 2012 and beyond.

“Great Britain is the new Cuba for boxing and now we have a facility that underlines that. GB Boxing has opened a facility to match the goal and vision of its coaches and I am confident we can achieve further success.

“This facility puts boxing right up there as a centre of excellence, the jewel in the crown, which will help us pick up more Olympic medals across all disciplines in the sport.”

BABA chairman Derek Mapp outlined how the new gym was evidence of the association’s commitment and confidence in the young squad. He said: “This is the start of our serious campaign. We hope this facility will prove truly inspirational. I am proud to be in here – it feels right as a gym but also as the base for our support staff - and will help demonstrate that we are now a properly run organisation.

“We believe we can provide the very best for our boxers and support team. I hope this facility is testament of our commitment to the future and will reinforce the boxers’ commitment to the sport.”

Kevin Hickey, GB Boxing performance director, added: “We are privileged that from this base, with the best coaches and support staff, we can deliver a truly world class service and results. Any success at Olympic level is based on a team approach and this is what we have here.

“From today a new era is born. Not just for 2012 but 2016 and beyond. Here we see in Sheffield the birth of a new generation of boxing stars. This is just the start. The spirit of Olympic success is here. This is where the dreams become a reality. For any boxers who want to make a mark in life, the opportunity is here.”

Former European champion Richie Woodhall, who compered the event, offered some words of encouragement to the young squad. “The development squad is the future of this sport. The Olympic Games is there for you – go out there and make it,” he said.